With the first round of the NFL playoffs complete and the field of 12 has been whittled to eight in the road to Super Bowl XLVIII, we have questions. Lucky for you, we also have answers.

WHICH HOME TEAM IS MOST IN DANGER NEXT WEEKEND?

We’ve become believers in the Panthers as the season unfolded — most notably, when they traveled out to San Francisco and outslugged the 49ers in a 10-9 victory. Now, the NFC’s No. 2 seed has had a week to rest up and get ready for ... the 49ers. That should concern everyone wearing black and Carolina blue. San Francisco will be an exceptionally tough out, as they showed yesterday — enduring the bitter cold and Aaron Rodgers. And given that there’s nothing daunting about Bank of America Stadium and the 49ers have reached the NFC Championship Game each of the past two seasons, that postseason pedigree will be tough for the Panthers — no matter how much they have evolved this year — to overcome.

WHICH ROAD TEAM WON’T BE AS BAD THE SECOND TIME AROUND?

Look for a moment beyond the Seahawks’ 34-7 romp over the Saints in Seattle early last month. You know, the game in which New Orleans never really had a chance and watched Russell Wilson (310 yards, three touchdowns) put on a show? We’re here to tell you that was good for the Saints, who have already experienced everything CenturyLink Field and its 12th Man has to offer. That might seem like we’re a bit delusional, considering the Seahawks are rested and favored by more than a touchdown. But consider this: Since the the start of the 2005 season, the No. 6 seeds have won five of seven meetings with No. 1 seeds — including victories by two eventual Super Bowl champions (2005 Steelers, 2010 Packers).

WHY DO THE EAGLES GIVE THE CHARGERS HOPE?

Apparently, the road to the Super Bowl goes through Lincoln Financial Field in the first couple of weeks of the season. In each of the past four years, the eventual Super Bowl champions were the Eagles’ opponent in their home opener. The Ravens in 2012, Giants in 2011, Packers in 2010 and Saints in 2009 established a trend the Chargers (2013) are hoping continues. Of those five teams, including San Diego, only Baltimore actually lost in Philadelphia. This year, the Chargers won in Week 2 when Nick Novak booted a 46-yard field goal with 7 seconds to go for a 33-30 victory. Of course, that was a long time ago — and San Diego’s six victories in its past seven games is more relevant now. Still, a fun statistic.

IS THERE ANY DEFENSE FOR ANDY DALTON?

Not much, really. You can point a finger at offensive coordinator Jay Gruden, the man who came up with a plan that some Chargers said afterward had nothing they hadn’t seen on film in preparation — a no-no for the postseason, when even the slightest wrinkle matters. But really, the execution all comes down to the quarterback ... and Dalton once again showed why he’s the biggest question for the Bengals. Dalton’s first interception was the product of horrific mechanics, and the second came on a throw that never should have been made. To not see LB Melvin Ingram undercutting his receiver is inexcusable. And don’t even get us started on the fumble on the scramble. In three playoff games — all losses — Dalton has seven turnovers.

WHEN IS TWO OUT OF THREE NOT BAD?

When you’re the Packers or the Saints, and you’re beyond thrilled with what your former Alabama running back delivered on the first weekend of the playoffs. Even in a loss, Eddie Lacy (81 tough yards on 21 carries) showed how valuable he is to the Packers, and Mark Ingram (97 yards, one TD) was exceptional for the Saints in their victory over the Eagles. The ones who missed on their Crimson Tide blueprint were the Colts, who gave up a first-round draft pick early this season for Trent Richardson. On his only carry Saturday, Richardson fumbled — and didn’t touch the ball again in Indianapolis’ epic comeback against the Chiefs. Sure, the Colts didn’t need a power back. But even if they had, Richardson wouldn’t have gotten the call.